Varshatai v. The State of Maharashtra (2025)
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Quick Summary
The Supreme Court said: using Urdu with Marathi on a municipal signboard is lawful. Marathi remains the official language for government work. Adding Urdu helps people read signs and does not break the law.
Article 345 lets a State pick official languages. It does not stop local bodies from using extra languages for public communication. The Court dismissed the appeals and kept the High Court view.
Issues
- Does the 2022 Act forbid extra languages on civic signboards?
- Is Urdu below Marathi against the State’s official language policy?
- Does Article 345 allow local use of more languages for public communication?
Rules
- Article 345 — State’s power to adopt official language(s).
- Articles 14 & 19 — Equality and expression (context of communication).
- Maharashtra Local Authorities (Official Languages) Act, 2022.
- UP Hindi Sahitya Sammelan v. State of UP (2014) — multiple official languages upheld.
Facts (Timeline)
Municipal Council, Patur displayed Marathi on top with Urdu below on its signboard.
Council rejected the objection; cited significant Urdu-speaking population.
Allowed application; directed 100% Marathi for official proceedings.
Set aside the Collector’s order on appeal by Council members.
Writ Petition initially dismissed; later re-examined post 2022 Act.
Triggered fresh consideration; HC order dated 10 Apr 2024.
Appeals dismissed; Urdu alongside Marathi on signboards upheld.
Arguments
Appellant
- Only Marathi should appear on civic boards.
- Urdu display undermines the official language policy.
- Collector’s order ensured purity and clarity in governance.
Respondents
- Urdu aids communication with local residents.
- 2022 Act mandates Marathi for official work, not exclusive display.
- Longstanding bilingual practice serves public interest.
Judgment
Holding
- Appeals dismissed. High Court view affirmed.
- Marathi is mandatory for official proceedings; adding Urdu on signboards is permissible.
- No legal bar against using additional languages for public-facing boards.
Bench
Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia & Justice K. Vinod Chandran.
Ratio Decidendi
Official language rules govern internal government work. Public signboards are about communication. Article 345 enables a State to choose official language(s) but does not ban additional languages for public messages. Therefore, Urdu with Marathi is valid.
Why It Matters
- Protects clear communication with diverse communities.
- Respects Marathi’s official status while enabling inclusion.
- Guides local bodies on bilingual/multilingual signage policy.
Key Takeaways
- Marathi for official proceedings is mandatory; Urdu on boards is allowed.
- Article 345 does not bar extra languages for public notices.
- Bilingual signs support access and do not violate law.
Mnemonic + 3-Step Hook
Mnemonic: M-U-A — Marathi mandatory, Urdu allowed, Article 345 enables.
- Identify the forum: internal work vs public boards.
- Apply Article 345: pick official language(s), no ban on others.
- Conclude: Urdu with Marathi is lawful communication.
IRAC Outline
Issue
Can Urdu appear with Marathi on municipal boards under the 2022 Act and Article 345?
Rule
Marathi is official for proceedings; Article 345 permits selection of official language(s); no ban on extra languages for public signs.
Application
Urdu aids local readers without changing official work language; hence lawful addition.
Conclusion
Appeals dismissed; bilingual signboards upheld.
Glossary
- Official Language
- Language used for government proceedings and records.
- Public Communication
- Messages meant for citizens (e.g., signboards, notices).
- Article 345
- Lets a State adopt one or more languages for official purposes.
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